A 46 year old female developed carpal tunnel syndrome while working at a local manufacturing plant. She was off work for 2.5 years and required 5 surgeries during that time. Her case cost her employer over $50,000 as of January 2007.Intervention: An FCE was performed. Outcome: Based on the information collected during the test, the case was settled in the employer’s favor.

Case #2: Neck Pain

A 24 year old female began having neck pain while lifting 5 pound pieces of material. She required 2 weeks off work, and the cost to her employer was $1,800 by the time she returned to work.Intervention: An ergonomic assessment was performed before her first day back to work. A working surface was raised about 12” by stacking 2 wooden pallets under the piles of material.Outcome: Her neck pain dissipated within a few days and did not require further treatment.

Case #3: Hip Pain

A 57 year old female developed hip pain while working as a transcriptionist. During the physical therapy evaluation, it was determined that her symptoms were being aggravated by work activities.Intervention: An ergonomic assessment was recommended to the physician by her treating physical therapist. It was determined that the patient’s workstation was not fit properly to her body. She was given a small stool to rest her feet on, and her chair height was adjusted. Outcome: Her symptoms resolved within a week, and no further treatment was required.